Today marks the inaugural Give Like Dolly Day, and Muskoka is coming together to support an important cause Dolly Parton began.
Erika’s Bakery & Cafe in Dwight took part by donating 9.25 per cent of its proceeds today to local branches of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, an initiative that provides monthly free books to children from birth to age five.
The bakery also celebrated with a Dolly-inspired lunch special, dress-up activities, and a sing-along.
The local Imagination Library program serves families throughout Gravenhurst, Lake of Bays and Muskoka West, including the areas Kilworthy, Severn Bridge, Bala, Honey Harbour, Mactier, Port Carling and Port Severn.
Local program coordinator Pat Sims-Eastwood launched the first Muskoka chapter in 2023, and since then, more than 6,000 books have been sent to children across the region.
Sims-Eastwood said the program plays an important role in giving children a strong foundation in literacy before they enter school.
“We’re trying to give them a chance at early childhood literacy. The science shows if children go into school with a bigger vocabulary and they’re more literate, it follows them all the way through life. It’s a lifelong impact,” she said.
With the recent passing of Dolly Parton, Sims-Eastwood said continuing the initiative is a fitting way to honour her legacy and continue her commitment to childhood reading.
“It’s what Dolly would have wanted us to do, she wanted us to continue,” she said.
Sims-Eastwood said Give Like Dolly Day is planned to be an annual initiative, and she hopes more events will continue to spread throughout Muskoka in the years to come.
For more information or to donate, click here.
